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$6.2 Million project
Tuesday 02 March, 2010
Geelong’s Beckley Park greyhound racetrack is set to undergo a major redevelopment that will see its facilities rival that of any greyhound racetrack in the world. Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing, Rob Hulls today announced the $6.2 Million redevelopment, which will include a brand new racetrack and grandstand. The project will receive 70% funding [$4.3 Million] from the Brumby Labor Government, with the remaining 30% [$1.9 Million] to be funded by Greyhound Racing Victoria [GRV]. John Stephens, the CEO of GRV, said… “Greyhound Racing Victoria is extremely grateful to the Victorian government for its significant financial support. Beckley Park is set to boast a world class multi-purpose venue with brand new facilities for patrons to enjoy the thriving sport of greyhound racing.” Geelong is considered by many to be the heartland of greyhound racing in this state, as evidenced by the fact that six of the eight finalists in last weekend’s Group 1 Australian Cup are all trained in Geelong’s surrounding suburbs. “The City of Geelong has a huge population, is one of Australia’s most prominent greyhound regions and its greyhound track is located just 45 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, which makes this redevelopment a very exciting investment”, Mr. Stephens added. Friday 5th March will be the final race meeting to be held on Beckley’s current track, with works set to get underway in mid-March for completion at the end of November, 2010. The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club is renowned for its strong ties with its local community as it hosts the weekly Beckley Park Market and is the home of the Geelong arm of the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal. Further to this, approximately two thirds of the work to be undertaken on Beckley Park’s redevelopment will be done so by local contractors in what is GRV’s biggest infrastructure project since The Meadows racetrack was built in Melbourne’s northern suburbs in 1999. GRV and the Geelong Greyhound Racing Club have been very proactive in terms of their Environmental Responsibilities with respect to the upcoming redevelopment of Geelong’s Beckley Park greyhound racetrack. Examples of this include: - Water Recycling Process recapturing 80% of water used saving approximately more than 6 mega litres per annum - Use of Sensor Lights to reduce power usage - Installation of waterless Urinals -Energy Efficient Globes - Use of Polio Citrus with track preparation to reduce water used Image below left to right: Steven Karamatic-Vice Chairman Geelong GRC, Rob Tartaglia-Director Geelong GRC, Mayor John Mitchell City Of Greater Geelong, Steven Griffen –CEO City Of Greater Geelong, John Eren –Member for Lara, Minister Rob Hulls, Maurie Blair-Chairman Geelong GRC, Nick Caley- GRV’s Deputy Chairman, Heather Cooke-Director Geelong GRC, GRV’s CEO John Stephens and GRV Board Member Bill Salter.